Remarks by President Bush and President Putin of Russia Prior to Meeting

12:16 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT PUTIN: Distinguished Mr. President, allow me to cordially
welcome you and your colleagues. And I get impression that with some of
your colleagues, I never said goodbye. (Laughter.) And it is very
pleasant, indeed, that these colleagues, we've virtually had permanent
contacts on almost all bilateral and international issues.

And I'm especially pleased to have this meeting with you here in South
Korea. You stayed here for quite a while, and probably will tell me of
your impressions.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thanks, Vladimir, for hosting this meeting. I
always enjoy a chance to have a good discussion with you. You're right
-- we've got a very important relationship. We value your advice, and
we value the strategic relationship we've built. So thanks -- thanks
again for hosting this.